Niue

Coral island in the south Pacific, west of the Cook Islands; overseas territory of New Zealand; area 260 sq km/100 sq mi; population (1993) 2,300 (12,000 Niueans live in New Zealand). The chief village and port is Alofi. The island is characterized by a low water table, and only 11-12% of the land can be cultivated. Products include coconuts, passion fruit, honey, taro, handicrafts, and limes. Languages spoken are English and Niuean (official).

The island was inhabited by warriors who stopped English explorer Captain Cook from landing in 1774. Christian missionaries arrived in 1846 and the island became a British protectorate in 1900. It was annexed by New Zealand in 1901 and attained self-government in free association with New Zealand (with which there is common citizenship) in 1974.

Straw-plaiting is one of the chief occupations, and hats, bananas, copra, baskets, and kumaras (sweet potatoes) are exported. There is a radio station and open anchorage at Alofi.